ACROSS SPAIN SEPT 2013 MAGAZINE

ISSUE 28 SEPT 2013

FREE ON-LINE MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JAMES YEADON

IN THIS MON SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS SPANISH STARS ANTONIO BANDERAS

MICHAEL BOLTON ACROSS SPAIN BENIDORM

BLUEWATER MARBELLA

BOTTOMS UP

YOGIC BREATHING BUY A PROPERTY IN THE SUN PLANNING FOR LIFE SEPTEMBER MOVIES

NTHS ISSUE BOOK REVIEW: SPANISH STRAY DOGS

RACING FOR THEIR LIVES LONG HAUL HAWAII

JOKES SEPTEMBER CELEB BIRTHDAYS HOROSCOPES

RECIPES

CHEESE & WINE MOTORING

Welcome to the September issue of our ACROSS SPAIN. This month we lift the lid on bottom surgery, make you healthier with Yogic breathing and tell of the plight of greyhounds. Plus we have all the regular features such as September movie releases, horoscopes, recipes, long haul destination, motoring, property etc.

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Published by Across Media Email: office@acrossspain.es Web: www.acrossspain.es Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the Publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise.

WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD YOU ARE ONLY A CLICK AWAY FROM YOUR LOCAL ACROSS PUBLICATION.

Jerez de la Frontera celebrates its wine harvest with the Jerez sherry Festival which begins on the first Saturday of September every year. Known locally as the Fiestas de Otoño, this is a three week party involving sherry, horses and flamenco.

Also during the first week of September is the Feria Goyesca de Pedro Romero in Ronda where all the townsfolk and the matadors at the weekend bullfight are dressed in typical 18th century costumes.

Catalunya celebrates Cava week, a festival dedicated to the fine Catalan version of champagne whilst Barcelona city celebrates the Festes de la Merce, a huge fiesta with processions, fireworks and dance performances. In Sueca, Valencia there is a Fiesta del Arroz which is basically a paella festival whilst in Logroño, the centre of the Rioja wine region, it's the Fiesta de San Mateo which is yet another grape harvest festival. Jerez's sherry festival takes place on the first Saturday of September every year as part of "Las Fiestas de la Vendimia y Otoño". This is a three week party involving sherry, horses and flamenco. The origin of the festival is the annual celebration of the grape harvest. Jerez de La Frontera, one of Spain’s three sherry producing towns, celebrates its wine harvest with an abundance of colour and joie de vivre on the weekend closest to 8 September, with the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady.

The festivities kick off with a flying start as the Andalusian -usually eye-catching - queen of the vintage occupies her seat of honour with her handmaidens in tow. This queen of sherry, responsible for every auntie's favourite aperitif, is raised onto her glorious wagon draped with all manner of pleats, flora and succulent grapes. Within a very short time children tail the cart, hoping to catch sweets and goodies tossed into the air from mask-wearing courtiers. The masses converge on the Plaza de Arenal to pay further respects to the queen as the bodegas (sherry houses) let the sherry flow. Be sure to stick around for a packed program of parties, bullfights, motorcycle races, exhibitions, concerts and flamenco dances; and not to forget the church mass followed by the blessing of the vines.

Jerez has the good fortune of lying in the Albarriza zone, renowned for its chalk-rich and sandy sun-baked earth, that provides more than adequate growing conditions for the sherry that ends up on your auntie's table. The grape is Palomino. Very ordinary really, but let us not forget that it is the process that makes Sherry, not just the grape. Once pressed it is stored in oak butts. Soon flor (yeast) naturally appears on the surface, miraculously preventing oxidisation whilst giving the wine its distinct flavour. Note that a sherry from San LĂşcar will taste different to one from Jerez or El Puerto de Santa MarĂ­a precisely for its flor. Sherry from San LĂşcar is also distinguished due to the area's salty breezes that modify the sherry into the a fine, fine fino, manzanilla. The fortification process is the most important part. Thereafter, the sherry is blended with other wines of different ages through the

Antonio Banderas was born in Malaga, AndalucĂ­a, Spain in 1960. His mother Ana was a school teacher and his father Jose was a police officer in the Guardia Civil.

After a broken foot ended his dreams of a Professional football career he enrolled in drama classes and joined a theater troupe that toured all over Spain. His performances eventually landed him a spot with the National Theatre of Spain.

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar cast the young Banderas in his 1982 film Labyrinth of Passion and two years later he appeared in Law of Desire. After his role in Almodovars Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! as a mental patient who kidnaps a porn star, Banderas made his move to Hollywood. He was first seen

by American audiences in Madonna's Truth or Dare documentary. But it was Banderas portrayal as the gay lover of an AIDS afflicted lawyer played by Tom Hanks in the 1993 film Philadelphia that brought him to the attention of mainstream American Audiences.

The following year he was given a role alongside Tom Cruise & Brad Pitt in Interview With The Vampire. He went on to star in Desperado and co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in Assassins. He played the narrator Che in Evita starring alongside Madonna in 1996.

Banderas was the first Spanish actor to play the character Zorro in The Mask of Zorro with Anthony Hopkins & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Other films include Original Sin, Femme Fatale, Frida, The Legend of Zorro and the Spy Kids trilogy. He made his directorial debut with the movie Crazy in Alabama which starred his wife Melanie Griffith. In 2002 the couple won the ‘Stella Adler Angel Award’ for their extensive charity work Banderas provides the voice of the rapier-wielding Puss-in-Boots for the CGI family movies Shrek 2, Shrek the Third & Shrek Forever After and the spin off film Puss In Boots.

He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical when he played the lead role in the Broadway musical Nine. In 2011 he returned to work with Spanish director Pedro Almodovar in the thriller horror film The Skin I Live In where he plays a plastic surgeon seeking revenge after the rape of his daughter.

Antonio Banderas received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and in May 2010 he received his honorary doctorate from the University of Malaga, the city where he was born.

On Thursday 1 August the multiple Grammy Award-winning Singer, Songwriter and Social Activist, who has sold more than 53 million albums and singles worldwide performed a selection of his iconic tracks for one night only in Spain.

Michael won two Grammys for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance (nominated four times), six American Music Awards, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a songwriter, he has earned over 24 BMI & ASCAP Awards, including Songwriter of the Year, nine Million-Air awards, and the Hitmakers Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Internationally renowned, Michael has recorded and performed with musical icons that have inspired and influenced his own career. He has sung with Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Renee Fleming and played guitar with BB King. Bolton earned a Grammy-nomination for “Georgia on my Mind,” and was invited to sing the classic song to Ray Charles when Ray was honoured at the International Jazz Hall of Fame Awards in 1997.

A diverse and prolific songwriter, Bolton has collaborated with some of the greatest songwriters and producers of our time, Lady Gaga, Diane Warren, Desmond Child, David Foster, Walter Afanasieff, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, John “Mutt” Lange, Dann Huff, A.R. Rahman, Phil Ramone, Ne Yo, and Billy Mann, among others.

PHOTGRAPHS COURTESY OF JAMES YEADON

The coastal town of Benidorm is situated in Alicante on the Costa Blanca and prior to the 1960’s was a small village. Today it is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Spain, in fact in Europe, with five million visitors per year. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Manhattan of Spain’ due to its unique skyline of tall hotels and apartments built to accommodate the increasing amount of tourists from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Benidorm enjoys 3,400 hours of sunshine a year due to its special microclimate created by the mountains, which surround the town. During the winter months the sea temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius. The city is divided into five parts, Poniente and Levante, each fronted by a beach of the same name. Just offshore is an uninhabited island, which provides a dramatic centrepiece to the seascape. Between the two beaches are the port and a rocky promontory where you will find the old town, known as El Castell. The other two parts are La Cala and El Rincon de Loix.

During the 1980’s Benidorm developed a reputation for drunken lager louts and violent binge drinking especially during the months of July and August and a lot of families were put off visiting. Now there is a very good police presence in the town and the problem has largely gone and Benidorm is much more mellow. The town is now very popular with families and more elderly people from northern Europe stay during the winter months.

Benidorm has three major beaches: Playa de Levante, where most of the action takes places. Playa de Poniente which is longer and less crowded where you will find more privacy and Playa del Mal Pas. Since 1987 they have all had a blue flag, the maximum quality standard recognised by the EU. The 186 metre tall Gran Hotel Bali located in the city is the tallest hotel in Europe. Benidorm has more than just beautiful beaches to offer. There are four family theme parks including Aqualandia and Mundomar, which are located on the outskirts of the city.

Aqualandia is a thrilling water park, said to be the largest in Europe and Mundomar is known as the Costa Blanca’s ‘Sea World’ with colourful toucans, flamingo’s, bats and birds. Just outside of Benidorm is Terra Mitica, a theme park based on the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Iberia, Rome, Greece and the Barbary Coast. At Terra Natura, also just outside Benidorm, you will be taken around the world to see people and animals in their native habitats. In the Museo de Cera, Benidorm’s wax museum you can meet Elvis, Dracula and a host of other familiar faces.

Along Avenida del Mediterraneo and near Triangular Square you can enjoy a shopping spree to buy souvenirs from the leather shops and small shopping bazaars. Then at the end of the day you can enjoy the legendary nightlife in the variety of disco pubs and cabaret bars. A large number of free cabaret acts start around 9.00pm and continue into the early hours.

The gay scene in Benidorm is one of the oldest in Spain with many bars and restaurants including KU KM and Penelope. The gay village is a non-ageist scene with people of all ages mixing together well in all the bars. There are also established show bars with drag shows.

As a magazine it is always brilliant for us to interact with all of our advertisers and when possible try their products and services for ourselves. Well to our pleasant surprise we received an invitation from Captain Pat of Bluewater Marbella to board his vessel the ‘ANA LUIS’ and we jumped at the chance to have a glimpse of what delights his client’s experience.

We were greeted onboard by Captain Pat and his deck hand, Mark, both of whom were dressed in smart attire and we were shown around the boat. After the additional 8 guests arrived onboard that we were introduced to, we were taken through the necessary safety procedures.

We were then asked if we needed any sun tan lotion which they keep onboard. (Although we declined, it was a big mistake – the power of the sun out at sea is strong - so always accept the lotion if offered!) We were then treated to a taster of things to come with canapés and Champagne of the highest, exquisite quality whilst we were still in the port just to get our taste buds tingling. All the fresh food is professionally created and served and with Captain Pat’s meticulous eye to detail it was almost a shame to dig into the gourmet display: But we just had to do it!

When everyone was ready the powerful engines were fired up and we set off out of the port into the shimmering blue Mediterranean Sea. It seemed very strange at first, as we did not know any of the other couples onboard but within minutes everyone was chatting to each other and enjoying the sunshine and company.

Canapés & Champagne just for Starters

Captain Pat Mark made sure we had plenty of soft drinks, beers or spirits during our trip and catered to our every whim in a polite and professional manner whilst Captain Pat was at the helm. Being very knowledgeable Pat knows just about everything there is to know about the waters and scenery we were viewing and is always chatting away, answering questions clients may have.

After cruising by for some time in the glorious sunshine and being treated like Kings and Queens the boat anchored off a scenic stretch of coastline. We were treated yet again to more gourmet cuisine and of course drink whilst we took in the scenery, relaxing but keeping our eyes open, hoping to see the local dolphins. You also had the opportunity to swim in the sea and enjoy the rich blue shimmer of the water with an expert looking out for your safety. Everyone took the opportunity to do the Titanic scene at the front of the boat whilst it was anchored.

When everyone was fed, watered and relaxed, the anchor was lifted and we started our cruise back to the port. As we re entered the port the cruiser was professionally reversed into the berth where it all started and our new friendships were made.

Would we recommend a charter with Bluewater Marbella?

Oh yes 100%. Whether it is a corporate or club event or a couple on holiday that would like to experience the finer things in life or celebrate perhaps a special event, anniversary or birthday perhaps or just something you do not do in your normal day to day life and crave a different experience and at a price that is surprisingly affordable, call +34 658 707 139 or book online.

Its an event that you will remember with treasured memories for life.

TO BOOK YOUR SPECIAL DAY CALL +34 658 707 139 Or Visit: www.bluewater-marbella.com

Based in Centro Comercial Las Rampas, local 12k – Fuengirola 29640, Malaga.

Church Office: 952 592 171 Email: info@thearkspain.com

The Ark is primarily called to the English-speaking foreign population which accounts for a large proportion of the resident community in the area.

The Ark’s Vision is: To offer pastoral care as a family church, for resident Christian believers.

To reach the Ex-Pat community in Spain To offer “Intensive Care” in LOVE, and spiritual care and help to whoever needs it.

To lead people to the Lord and into discipleship.

To prepare people for service in churches or ministries that the Lord directs them into.

To provide a resources centre and to promote unity within the body of believers in Spain.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ARK? Sunday morning at 11.00.

Family services each Sunday with an active Sunday School for children of all ages.

Wednesday mornings at 11.00 Weekly Prayer Meeting.

Weekly House Groups.

3rd Monday of each Month: Ladies meeting – where the ladies of the church can come together to learn and share.

Prayer for Israel.

Feeding of the homeless on a Tuesday night.

3rd Saturday morning of each Month: Men’s breakfast – when men of the church come together to share a meal and then feed on God’s Word as they learn and share together.

Tuesday & Thursday 11.00: Parent & Toddlers meet each week.

Thursday Evenings 17.30 - 19.30: Our Youth Club meets at the Ark Christian School in Calle Maestra Angeles Aspiazu, Fuengirola.

This club is Christian based to support our own youth and give opportunity to invite nonChristian youth into a safe and friendly environment.

Explorer Scouts, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and Rainbows meet at the Ark each week.

We have other activities throughout the year, involving the community and to promote church unity, including running Adult Alpha and Youth Alpha Courses.

COFFEE SHOP & THRIFT SHOP These opened as an outreach into the community, in April 2000 and God is constantly bringing in the lost, lonely and needy to be loved and ministered to. Our Coffee Shop and Thrift Shop open 10.30a.m. to 1.30p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays.

J-Lo's large but pert derriere has a lot to answer for. It used to be that a few toning exercises at the gym was enough to achieve a cute bum, but now the rich and famous are virtually being forced to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure called a Brazilian buttock lift to get an A-list bottom. Celebrities all over the world are keen to get their pert little, or big, bottoms photographed in buttock-skimming dresses on the red carpet.

Winners of various best bum awards include the small and pert bottoms of Kate Hudson, Uma Thurman, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Denise Van Outen and the larger rears of Charlotte Church, Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles and, of course, J-Lo herself.

Whether you have a small or big butt, a Brazilian buttock lift adds definition and creates a pert look, says cosmetic surgeon, Dr Luiz S Toledo, who is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. (BAAPS). During the procedure, surgeons use a mixture of liposuction and fat grafting to sculpt a shapelier bottom. Toledo explains, "There are two main body types: gynoid, with a concentration of fat below the waistline, and android, which concentrates fat above the waistline. Both types can benefit from this type of surgery.

"The gynoid type usually needs liposuction of the hips, thighs, legs, tummy and fat injection in the buttocks. The android type will usually need liposuction of the arms, back, hips, tummy and breasts. Fat is injected into the buttocks and often the inner thighs as well. "To lift the buttock, the surgeon makes an incision in the hip area and the buttock and the fat removed from liposuction is then reinjected, increasing the volume of the buttock.

"In many cases, simply the removal of the excess fat will bring about a major improvement in the area”, says Toledo. The operation takes from one to three hours and is usually carried out under local anaesthetic together with a sedative.

Patients are normally discharged the same day. An elastic girdle is worn for a couple of weeks after the operation to help stabilise the new shape and minimise swelling.

Mobility is essential, so walking is encouraged from day two following the surgery, increasing the distance each day.

This assists with swelling, water retention and circulation.

Major complications from liposculpture and fat injection are rare, says Toledo. However, potential risks include asymmetry, rippling and pigmentation of the skin, bleeding, infection and problems with the anaesthetic. Temporary numbness of the skin and haematomas - blood accumulations under the skin - are possible mild complications.

The results may take a few months to fully show due to fluid retention and surgery swelling. Once the shape has fully stabilised after six months, Toledo says results should be permanent without further weight gain, especially when combined with diet and exercise.

A Brazilian buttock lift costs between €5,000 and €10,000.

Experts in both therapeutic traditions and modern medicine believe in the intimate relationship between our breathing patterns and our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

YOGIC BR FOR FIT BO MIN

Studies have shown that natural, healthy respiration not only increases longevity and supports our overall well-being and selfdevelopment, but also helps in medical conditions such as asthma, poor digestion, insomnia, low energy, high blood pressure, anxiety, panic attacks, heart ailments, and many other problems.

A Breath of Fresh Air With each breath, oxygen enters your body and triggers the transformation of nutrients into energy. With each exhalation toxic carbon dioxide is eliminated from your body. The presence of oxygen purifies the blood and vitalises every cell in your body and it is required to maintain vital organs. In normal conditions the body follows a natural breathing pattern that is slow and regulated.

When breathing is slow, deep and full, the lungs work more, the diaphragm moves well, back and abdominal muscles work fully, drawing in extra oxygen to the blood stream.

Under stress, the body begins to tighten the muscles, and you may feel anxiety, hyperactivity and anger. During this time breathing becomes quick and shallow. Your natural healthy breathing pattern is disturbed and you will tend to breath erratically or hold your breath.

By restricting your breathing, the inflow of oxygen is restricted. Lungs are unable to exhale the stale airs and residual toxins build up inside the body. Under stress, the stiff muscles restrict the circulation of the blood, so even less oxygen comes in and fewer toxins are removed. It affects the healthy regeneration of cells.

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REATHING ODIES AND NDS

Medical studies indicate that the oxygen-starved cells are contributing factors in cancer, immunity deficiency, heart disease and strokes. Breathing also affects our state of mind and consequently makes our thinking either confused or clear.

Pranayama Regulating your breathing patterns during yoga sessions is just as vital as the yogic positions.

Slow, controlled conscious breathing has a calming effect on the emotions, reducing fear and anxiety in the nervous system. Regulated and mindful breathing, dynamic movement of the head, shoulders and arms during the practice of breathing and meditation promote concentration and relaxation.

Try the following exercise: sit comfortably in a chair. Close your eyes and visualise a swan gliding peacefully across a crystal-clear lake. Now, like the swan, let your breath flow along in a long, smooth and peaceful movement. Inhale and exhale through your nose. Extend your breath to its comfortable maximum for 20 repetitions.

Gradually let your breath return to normal.

Afterwards, take a few moments to sit with your eyes closed and notice the difference in how you feel overall.

If you have problems with your lungs, such as a cold, bronchitis or asthma, or heart disease, consult your doctor before embarking on breath control, even under the supervision of a yoga therapist.

Don't practise breathing exercises when the air is too cold or too hot.

Avoid practising in polluted air, including the smoke from incense.

Whenever possible, practise breath control outdoors or with an open window. Don't strain your breathing; remain relaxed while doing the breathing exercises.

Britons have stopped just dreaming about buying a property in the sun. Instead, hordes are taking the plunge, with oversees property purchases and their own private swimming pools.

There are many reasons why so many people are buying abroad. For some it is the dream holiday home, for others an idyllic retirement in the sun. But many savvy buyers are in it for the investment. Lower mortgage interest rates in Europe are a huge incentive, as are the revenue prospects of buy-to-let properties. But where to start? Like any long-term investment, buying abroad requires much thought. First, understand what the long-term use of the property will be. Your ideal property located deep within rural France may be your dream getaway, but if you are purchasing with the intention of renting the property out to the tourist market, it may not be your right choice.

Location, location, location, as they say, is paramount to your purchase. You probably have an idea of the country you are interested in, so thought should be on locality. Only you know what you are looking for, but research any possible towns thoroughly, including local facilities and travel amenities. Here is where you may encounter some internet help from local expatriates.

It is essential to look for general guidelines relating to purchasing property. These will differ vastly from country to county. The internet provides vast amounts of information regarding local customs, property taxes, estate agent fees and other hidden purchase and sale costs elating to properties abroad.

SPAIN The Spanish government liberated the estate agency profession in 2000. Removing the licence system means that today, anyone can function as an estate agent. The best advice is to look for companies that still advertise the old licence systems: API or GIPEs. Spain has witnessed massive property development in recent years, much of which is targeted at the British buyer. Property agents have come to market all-in packages, taking care of fees and legal advice. There are also many private sales. Buyers not taking the all-in fee route need to allow approximately 10 per cent of the purchase price for professional - including legal - fees, in addition to agent commission costs. All fees are subject to VAT. Beware, unlike the UK, any debts incurred by the previous owner relating to property in Spain, such as community taxes, will be passed on to the new owner.

ITALY Agents in Italy must pass an exam to be listed in the directory of licensed agents, called the ruoli. Buyers and sellers usually split the agent's costs, which total between 1 and 4 per cent of the purchase price. But additional fees are high. Registration tax is 10 per cent for non-residents, notary fees are approximately 4 per cent, plus surveying and legal costs. You could be looking at as much as 20 per cent of the purchase price. For any purchase, be aware of the capital gains tax system operated in Britain, which will eat into any profits made from a subsequent sale.

FRANCE In France, agents should possess a licence to practise ( carte professionnelle ) and should provide indemnity insurance and a bond ( piece de garantie ) that covers your deposit in the event of bankruptcy or fraud. To complicate things, you may encounter reputable UK-trained agents without a licence or bond. In this event, the practice is to hold your deposit with a state official, known as a notaire, who oversees property transactions . The notaire should also be used in the case of private sales. Professional advice for France, or any of the countries listed here, is to ensure a UK property lawyer, experienced in overseas sales, views any documents relating to any kind of sale, even if you employ a foreign lawyer. Property purchase fees in France are between 10 and 12 per cent, usually paid by the vendor.

FINANCING Many people release equity from their UK property to buy their dream home, or take out a loan secured on their existing mortgage. You may be able to take advantage of low European mortgage rates. Speak to an independent financial adviser to find out the best option.

SUPER PRICES NO COMMISSIONS APARTMENTS TOWNHOUSES VILLAS FINCAS COAST & INLAND TEL: 679111522

Wow as you read this we are in September, just where did August go?

The markets however, felt very pleased throughout the month of August with strong data from most areas suggesting to us that a global recovery may be on the cards, whisper it just in case too many people hear and want to suggest otherwise.

In the UK we saw Quarter 2 data being revised upwards from .6% to .7% and most areas of the economy contributed and even more importantly it appears the breakdown of data fro the services sector in particular has signs of continued growth.

People are at last seeing some increase in their salary packets and are spending in the shops. We even saw exports in the UK grow and with Mark Carneys (the Bank of England Governor) statement advising people interest rates will remain low and linked to the number of unemployed then confidence to borrow and or spend is high on the cards for the British.

The only downside has been the UK deficit reached a figure of around ÂŁ500 million in July, compared to a surplus last year of around ÂŁ800 million, so quite a turnaround. Looking ahead the total deficit will probably be similar to last years of ÂŁ121 billion, say it quietly and it does not sound too much!

In the Euro Zone, Germany has led the recovery with business sentiment at its highest level for 16 months and that following strong growth in the second quarter and the zone did formally exit the recession. Downside however, we are still talking about Greece receiving a further aid package, French unemployment hitting a new high and here in Spain mortgage lending has fallen sharply and our economy shrank by 1.6% in 2012 rather than the forecasted 1.4%.

Italy and its coalition government is still fragile and questions are once again being asked about the economy in Portugal, but it seems house prices have risen in Ireland. Finally, across the zone unemployment did fall but overall remain at 12.1%

In June we saw the US economy's best trading figures four nearly four years. They managed to export more than they imported and the deficit fell to 3% of GDP a further sign that the US economy is on the mend. Unemployment has also fallen month on month and they are enjoying rises in property prices which all indicate the economy is doing well.

RATES DURING THE LAST MONTH:

CURRENCY

HIGH

LOW

GBP to USD

1.5706

1.1511

GBP to EUR

1.1750

1.1408

EUR to USD

1.3439

1.3196

To get more for your money contact our preferred currency specialist Moneycorp by ringing 952587657 and quote Across Spain, a free no obligation chat takes just a couple of minutes and you can end up saving thousands.

Whether you have been working since leaving college or are fresh out of university, there's no time like the present to get your wallet or purse in order. Being in your 20s is one of the best and most exciting times of your life, but it is also the least financially secure and the time when you are most likely to catch the dastardly spending bug.

Getting your education out of the way and paying a big price for the pleasure should have given you your first step on your career ladder. Now you are earning money, hopefully you will be wise to learn how to spend it. Yes, shoes and gadgets are great but will they put a roof over your head or fly you to Ibiza for two weeks? Surely it's too early to worry about finances? Wrong. There's no time like your 20s to start getting your money to work for you.

Developing good spending and saving habits and making investments during your 20s can help you prevent needless debt and put away money towards your future. Immediate concerns for cash might be your old banger that keeps veering towards the scrap yard when you take it for a spin, a new wardrobe or a holiday with your friends. Not so far down the line you might want to start climbing that expensive property ladder. You might meet the love of your life, plan a wedding and honeymoon, buy a dog and make a baby - all before you can scream, "I can't afford all that." When you are young and cash-strapped, life can be unpredictable and expensive. Just to add to your financial burden, if you plan on enjoying a long retirement with plenty of dough, you should start investing small, regular sums in a pension early on in your career.

What are your goals? The first step in financial planning is to identify your different goals. Your short-term goals of five years or less might include a few holidays, a wedding and honeymoon or a new car. Next, think about medium-term goals, such as owning your own home and raising a family.

Retiring somewhere hot, for example, might be your long-term goal. Estimating how much money you will need to meet each of your goals and calculating how much you need to put aside each month will give you a fair idea of how realistic your dreams are. When budgeting, set aside money to go towards your short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. This will get easier as your salary increases.

Investing Short-term goals are best served in a savings account where money can be easily accessed. Speak to your bank about linking a savings account to your current account. For medium and long-term goals you should select an investment that will

RIDDICK RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 6 CAST: VIN DIESEL KATEE SACKOFF JORDI MOLLA DAVE BAUTISTA BOKEEM WOODBINE MATTHEW NABLE

The infamous Riddick has been left for dead on a sun-scorched planet that appears to be lifeless. Soon, however, he finds himself fighting for survival against alien predators more lethal than any human he’s encountered.

The only way off is for Riddick to activate an emergency beacon and alert mercenaries who rapidly descent to the planet in search of their bounty.

The first ship to arrive carries a new breed of merc, more lethal and violent, while the second is captained by a man whose pursuit of Riddick is more personal. With time running out and a storm on the horizon that no one could survive, his hunters won’t leave the planet without Riddick’s head as their trophy.

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 RELEASE DATE: FRIDAY SEPTMEBER 27TH CAST: KRIS PEARN BILL HADER ANNA FARIS JAMES CAAN ANDY SAMBERG NEIL PATRICK HARRIS BENJAMIN BRATT

Cloudy 2 picks up where the first movie left off, with Flint Lockwood discovering that his evil machine which turns water into food is still operating and now creating mutant food beasts. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Flint and his friends must embark on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to save the world...... again.

A SINGLE SHOT RELEASE DATE: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 CAST: JASON ISAACS SAM ROCKWELL WILLIAM H. MACY TED LEVINE MELISSA LEO JEFFREY WRIGHT

A woman’s death starts a tense game of cat and mouse between a hunter and the hardened backwater criminals out for his blood.

A backwoods neo-noir thriller starts with a bang: a single shot, aimed at a lone deer, that hits and kills a young woman. Delivering an intense marquee performance, Sam Rockwell plays the hunter John Moon, who watches the young woman die before discovering a box of money near her body. In a desperate panic, he takes the cash – hiring a low rent lawyer (William H. Macy) to fight his wife’s (Kelly Reilly) divorce suit – and attempts to cover up the killing. But when he discovers that the money belonged to a group of hardened criminals, the hunter becomes the hunted in this tense cat-and-mouse struggle in the backwoods of West Virginia.

What do Hunter S. Thompson, Dylan Thomas, Dorothy Parker, Edgar Allen Poe, and Truman Capote all have in common? Other than writing, of course.

For those staring blankly back at the page, we'll cut to the chase. All those authors, and scores more throughout time, enjoyed a drink or several whilst penning their works.

In many ways the archetypal scribes, the relationship between literature and liquor has long been an urban legend legitimised by the comparative few, but this month sees a new book published that looks to explain why they go hand in hand.

The Trip To Echo Spring comes from Olivia Lang, a lady who achieved significant praise for her first work, To The River (an Evening Standard, Independent, and Financial Times Book of the Year no less). Just as assured, here we follow the mastermind as she explores historical evidence, folklore, science, and just about any other method of documenting ideas humans have invented, in order to try and map out an explanation as to why prose creators are stereotyped as alcoholics.

By focusing on another selection of liquid lunch loving characters- Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Raymond Carver, John Cheever, and John Berryman- we're afforded an insight into the difficulties these individuals experienced in life.

But, at the same time, we also explore the professional reasons why this habit has a habit of claiming the most talented artists in the field. At once a selection of mini-biographies, and a socio-cultural analysis, it's bold, unique, and truly riveting to read.

Of course it's easy to look at interactions as a catalyst for the intoxicated behaviour exhibited by Lang's chosen authors.

Many of those faces drank together, hung out together, and enabled each other's addictions. Yet, just as music is also commonly (and increasingly inaccurately) associated with substances, here are several examples wherein creativity, and the many rewards to be reaped with it, proves to be fatally costly for the individual concerned in the end.

In many ways, by reading the cover blurb alone, The Trip To Echo Spring could almost be misinterpreted as approving, condoning, or celebrating the misfortunes of these dependent wordsmiths. The truth couldn't be further from that notion, though, with the content of these pages showing empathy and a little sympathy, but no pride in the level of consumption discussed. Instead you can't help but sense an air of regret or at least sadness at the sometimes tragic impact drink has had on the lives discussed here in detail, making for an emotional but highly informative and interesting read.

We are Spanish Stray Dogs and Spanish Stray Dogs UK. We are a small organisation that was originally set up in 2010 to help just one stray dog and since then we have grown and grown and have now received our charity status in the UK. We are proud that our team have managed to rescue and rehome hundreds of dogs and our dogs, many of whom were treated as trash on the streets of Spain, are scattered far and wide all around the world living with families who care for them and love them. One man's trash is another man's treasure and for many of the dogs we have been able to rescue that is certainly the case.

CANJENO Only has one eye, 4 years old, very active and playful.

CHARLIE 45cm high, 3 years old. A super friendly boy.

BRUNO Mastin, 65cm high, very placid boy who just loves to lounge around. 2 years old

ELLIK Galgo cross, 52cm high, very gentle, very calm.

HELENA Podenco cross, female. 2 years old. She has siblings Dixi and Tino also available for adoption. She is a timid girl but loves to play with other dogs.

Our dogs are available for adoption in Germany, UK, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Spain and many other countries for more info please email amee@spanishstraydogs.com.

Adoption includes neutering, passport, all vaccinations ... , blood tests to screen for diseases, microchip, worm and flea treatment. Adoption fee and home check apply. Adoption procedures and adoption fees vary between countries due to the different price in transporting the dog. The majority of our dogs are available to visit and are based in the Algeciras area of Southern Spain.

We have dogs in the USA, UK, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands and many other countries. Our team work tirelessly just for the love of these very special dogs. Please search for us on Facebook, twitter, YouTube or email

amee@spanishstraydogs.org.uk Amee Angelina Townsend President and Founder at SSD and SSDUK www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk www.facebook.com/spanishstraydogs www.facebook.com/spanishstraydogsuk

You might think that a night at the dogs would make a fun evening out, watching these beautiful and powerful athletes racing round the track at 40mph, and you could even win a few pounds. However the truth behind greyhound racing paints a very different and darkly disturbing picture, according to an animal welfare charity.

About four million of us go to watch greyhound races and bet some ÂŁ2.9 billion every year, according to People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), but few of us realise the true cost behind our evening of entertainment. Of the 60,000 greyhounds bred every year for the racing industry, between 10,000 and 40,000 puppies are killed.

The remaining dogs enter the racing industry and those that survive the early years and training, routinely risk their lives on the tracks, says PETA. Two dogs were killed in the same race at Belle Vue track in Manchester in May 2002 when they fell and broke their necks. In the same month, a dog named Santa Power broke his leg in a race at Hall Green greyhound track and was left screaming in agony. Similarly, in August 2002, a greyhound named Football Focus died of heat exhaustion following a race at Catford. An unidentified trainer is reported by PETA as saying his death was "an accident waiting to happen".

Even if a dog manages to survive death while racing, injuries are claimed to be commonplace within the industry. Dog races are run all year round, even when the track is frozen and so injured toes, torn muscles, strained tendons and arthritic joints are everyday problems.

Specialist Greyhound vet Paddy Sweeney believes the long straights and tight bends of traditional racing tracks contribute to these injuries. It is thought that as many as 10 per cent of the dogs still race despite injuries, according to PETA.

Racetracks are not legally required to have vets in attendance, so a badly injured dog may have a long wait before he or she can be treated. PETA claims unscrupulous owners care little or nothing for the dogs in their kennels despite years of service. It says that long-term injuries are normally masked with painkillers just long enough to sell the dog and recoup a profit, but, of course, the injury will eventually be revealed and the financially worthless dog will be killed.

Many greyhounds earn their owners thousands of pounds every year and, according to PETA, are normally rewarded with a horrifying death. It says at least 10,000 greyhounds are retired from racing in the UK every year at the age of four or five, either because they fail to make the grade or because their racing days are over. Some will be kept by owners and trainers and will be given a happy retirement, but for many others, the story is sadly different. The lucky ones are rescued by welfare organisations and suitable homes are sought for them. The not-so-lucky will be taken to the vet and euthanized. Shockingly, still more will be killed by their owners.

Retired dogs are often battered to death, poisoned, drowned, shot or left to starve to death in a locked shed. Others will be turned out and killed on the roads or left to die of starvation.

After spending most of their life in a kennel and on a race track with little human care, many grey hounds are rewarded for their hard work by being shipped off to Spain where they are kept in cages a metre long and muzzled, according to PETA. Sadly it is common practice to hang greyhounds in Spain when they are no longer of use, the animal campaign group reports.

However there is something we can do to help stop this cruelty, says PETA. Calling for a ban on greyhound racing would save countless lives, and in the meantime adopting a retired greyhound will create happy endings for some of these beautiful and graceful dogs. It is estimated that between 8,000 and 12,000 greyhounds are slaughtered or abandoned every year and others can be found in sanctuaries across the country.

Sadly greyhounds are often overlooked because people perceive them to be unsuitable companion animals. The truth is these gentle, placid animals love to sleep and do not require very much exercise and would definitely welcome a well-deserved happy ending to their turbulent lives.

Whether you are a new visitor or returning, Hawaii’s unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveller.

Hawaii’s natural and diverse scenery, warm tropical climate, breathtaking natural beauty, abundance of public beaches, warm tranquil waters and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. There is no place like it on earth. Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture.

Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oahu where you’ll likely begin your adventure at Honolulu International Airport. This is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. Many international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get there from just about anywhere. There are also direct flight from the U.S. mainland to Maui, Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island. Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. States and the only State made up entirely of Islands.

There are six islands to choose from: Kauai with its dramatic cliffs, Oahu with the amazing Waikiki beach, Molokai with its miles of white sands, Lanai where you can dolphin watch, Maui and its mountainous Haleakala and Hawaii’s Big Island with its Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It won’t be easy choosing which island to visit on your first trip to Hawaii, but you’ll find that there are no wrong answers.

The Hawaiian Islands were forged million of years ago by the power of volcanoes and today it is one of the few places in the world where you can come face to face with an active volcano. There are currently three active volcanoes in Hawaii.

On Hawaii’s Big Island is Maunaloa and also Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which has been continuously erupting since 1983, but can be safely explored. Loihi, located underwater off the southern coast of Big Island, has been erupting since 1996.

Hawaii’s rich culture allows visitors to explore hidden beaches & historic landmarks. You can top up your suntan, (summer temperatures are usually in the upper 80s F and winter temperatures usually in the low to mid 80s F), learn to surf, snorkel or go whale watching. From December to early May humpback whales visit Hawaii delighting both visitors & residents alike. These gentle giants migrate from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii for breeding and birthing in the islands warm and shallow waters.

Hawaii is one of the most popular wedding & honeymoon destinations in the world providing the perfect setting. Vow renewals & second honeymoons are also very popular. The romantic spirit of the Islands makes those special moments even more memorable. Hotels & resorts can often help with the wedding planning including wedding planners, caterers and photographers.

Hawaii’s culture is very family friendly. The beautiful beaches are ideal for building sandcastles with your kids. The Hawaiian word for children is keiki so check with your proposed hotel for “Keiki Programs” which will include exciting & fun things for your children to do. And don’t forget to go to an authentic luau where you can get a taste of Hawaiian culture and watch the art of the hula.

You are sure to create lifelong memories on your vacation to Hawaii.

SEPTEMBER CELEB BEYONCE – SEPTEMBER 4 1981 Beyonce began her music career at 16 as lead singer of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child who became one of the worlds' best selling girl groups of all time. Beyonce released her solo debut album Dangerously In Love in 2003 & it went on to sell 11 million copies and earned her 5 Grammys. The album featured the No.1 singles Crazy in Love and Baby Boy. Her 2nd album B’Day was released in 2006. Beyonce starred in films Dreamgirls, The Pink Panther & Obsessed. Beyonces’ marriage to rapper Jay-Z influenced her third album which featured the single “Single Ladies” (Put a Ring on It).

Throughout her career she has won 17 Grammys and sold over 118 million records as a solo artist and 60 million with Destiny’s Child. Time magazine named her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.

PINK – SEPTEMBER 8 1979 Pink began her career as a member of the girl group Choice but launched her solo career in 2000 with the single There You Go. Her debut album Cant Take Me Home went double platinum in the US. She collaborated with Lil Kim, Christina Aguilera and Mya on Lady Marmalade for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Her second album M!ssundaztood sold over 12 million copies with the biggest singles Get the Party Started, Don’t Let Me Get Me and Just Like a Pill. Pink has become one of the most successful artists of her generation, selling over 123 million records worldwide. She has received 3 Grammys, a Brit Award and 5 MTV Video Music Awards.

PRINCE HARRY – SEPTEMBER 15 1984 Prince Harry, the second son of Diana, Princess of Wales and Charles, Prince of Wales was born in St. Marys Hospital in Paddington, London and baptized as Henry Charles Albert David, Prince of Wales. Prince Harry accompanied his parents on official visits at an early age and The Princess of Wales’ decision to take an infant Prince William to Australia set the precedent for young royal children going on official visits.

After his education Harry opted for a military career, undergoing officer training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was commissioned as second d lieutenant into the Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry Regiment where he served with his brother and completed his training as a tank commander. He served for 77 days on the front line in the Afghan War in 2007-2008. Following the publication of the story in an Australian magazine he was pulled out but he returned for a 20 week deployment in 2012-2013.

JADA PINKETT SMITH – SEPTEMBER 18 1971 Jada starred in A Different World with Bill Cosby & starred opposite Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor. She has appeared in more than 20 films including Scream 2, Ali, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Bamboozled & the Madagascar series of films. Jada’s directorial debut was The Human Contract, she also wrote & acted in the movie. She married Will Smith in 1997 and as well as their 2 children Jaden & Willow, Jada is stepmother to Willard “Trey” Smith III, Wills son from his previous marriage.

BRITY BIRTHDAYS TOM FELTON – SEPTEMBER 22 1987 Tom first appeared in commercials when he was 8 years old & by the age of 10 he appeared in films The Borrowers, Anna and the King and Second Sight but he is probably best known for playing the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. His portrayal of Malfoy won him the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2010 & 2011. If he could play another character in a film, he would play Lucius Malfoy or even Voldemort. Tom posted three music videos on YouTube under the name Felt beats, performing fragments of original songs then in 2010 he released his original song “Hawaii” exclusively on www.sixstringproductions.com.

WILL SMITH – SEPTEMBER 25 1968 Will Smith gained popularity in the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which ran for nearly 6 years. His first major film roles were Six Degrees of Separation and Bad Boys but he made his name in the blockbusters such as Independence Day, Men in Black, Enemy off the State. Smith turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix in favour of Wild Wild West, later stating he had made a mistake. Smith was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for attending 3 premieres in 24 hours. Smith is married to Jada Pinkett & they have 2 children Willow, who played his daughter in I Am Legend & Jaden, his co star in The Pursuit of Happiness & After Earth.

AVRIL LAVIGNE – SEPTEMBER 27 1984 At the age of only 15 Lavigne had appeared on stage with Shania Twain and at the age of 17 her debut album Let Go made her one of the youngest female soloist to reach No.1 in the UK. Top charting singles include Complicated, Girlfriend, Sk8er Boi, I’m With You, Happy Ending and Nobody’s Home. She voiced a character in the animated film Over the Hedge and made her feature film debut in Fast Food Nation. In 2008 she introduced her clothing line Abbey Dawn & in 2009 she released her first perfume Forbidden Rose. She married Nickelbacks frontman Chad Kroeger on 1st July 2012 in the South of France after their romance blossomed whilst working together on her fifth album.

PAUL CROOK - SEPTEMBER 29 1971 Crook was born in Maidstone, Kent & grew up in Dartford. He joined The Orchard Youth Theatre in Dartford at the age of 15. After being persuaded to join a local theatre company he started writing comedy sketches & then became a stand-up comedian for about 8 years.

In 2001 he landed the part of Gareth Keenan in The Office and earned himself two BAFTA nominations. He featured as pirate Ragetti, with his ill fitting wooden false eye, in 3 of the Pirates of the Caribbean films: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest & At World’s End. Other films he has appeared in include Finding Neverland, The Brothers Grimm and The Gathering. Crook provided the voice & movements for a character in Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin and he appeared as a postman in the Paul McCartney music video for Dance Tonight.

Intimate relationships seem to be entangled in a web of uncertainty at times as your significant other may be going through period of transition. When the Full Moon passes by on the 12th, try as you may to gain an understanding of what headspace they're in, they're likely not conscious of it themselves. Rather than try to fix it, draw on your earthy powers to ground them in reality. You'll be more determined than ever to get on top of your finances towards the end of the month when a quartet of planets lands in the area of money in your horoscope. You'll enjoy making long-term plans for your cash.

Peace at last! Your life has been so hectic since the beginning of the year that you may have not have had the time to notice. Now, as the month starts off in a period of preparation, you'll realise just how much progress you've made. While it has been gradual over a long period of time, you'll be able to use this time to smooth out any creases before gradually picking up the pace again. The focus shifts from personal professional ambitions to working as part of a team or group when energetic planet Mars changes signs on the 19th.

You've taken your projects to the top they'll take direction when you lead the way.

Over the last couple of weeks it's likely that your social life has taken centre stage. Spending time with friends and likeminded people will have opened your eyes to the bigger picture life has to offer.

Knowing what's out there and where your skills lie could be the missing piece of the puzzle you've been trying to put together.

However, the Full Moon will highlight romantic liaisons making you question your role in a recent union. You may feel very in-tune with someone special but could feel that you are getting mixed signals in return. A lot of noticeable changes take place towards the end of September.

For the first half of the month, career matters continue to dominate your life as you meticulously put plans and procedures into place.

When a family member reaches out to you on the Full Moon of the 12th, the extent of their situation will hit home. Any cracks in the relationship become apparent as you try to compensate for any shortcomings on your part. It's a learning curve for everyone involved requiring immense patience but the outcome will bring a powerfully emotional revelation.

Your eyes have been opened to new experiences that you couldn't have imagined previously as someone who has entered your life in recent months has really blown you away. Of course there have been a few moments where you've had to pinch yourself to see if this was all real, now you know what your possibilities are, you'll be determined not to let anything get in the way of your new goals. Mid month a playful connection between macho Mars and Venus, relationship planet puts you in a decadent mind frame making you want to push the boundaries – your own especially!

Although your social life may have been up and down over the last several months and you may have had to weed a few people right out of your life, you are now left with those who you connect with best.

It should be quality not quantity and being with your closest friends allows you to explore some facets of your life you couldn't share with mere acquaintances. Your love life looks set to sizzle when libido driven Mars moves into your opposite sign giving you a new lease on your relationships. Because you know what you want right now, you'll be able to call the shots. Your confidence will be seen as attractive by your love interest and as you'll want to experience life to the fullest.

With so much going on internally, the last thing you want is for any chaos in your most intimate relationships at the beginning of the month. The people you are closest to likely have concerns about the way you are acting, but you need the space to figure things out for yourself. If you were in their position, you would understand that they're just trying to help, so at least hear them out. Mid month, your mind will firmly be on work matters as you try to imagine how you can put one of your projects into practice. You might have to spend the coming weeks testing whether or not it will be feasible and you may be working on limited resources. But your enthusiasm encourages others to lend their support.

You've made a lot of progress in terms of your career and finances over the last few months but now its time for a review; to let all of your new developments catch up with you before going further a field. While it would be the Ram's natural inclination to keep blazing the trails, getting to grips with all everything you've taken on will strengthen your position. On the 19th when Mars, your planetary ruler moves into the romance department, your love life looks set to sizzle. Your vitality will be at an all time high and no one will be impervious to your charms.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the expansions going on in your personal life, you can now breathe a sigh of relief as it looks set to slow down until the end of December. The first week of September will be a catch up period as you continue your preparatory work but the pace will be manageable and steady. With any luck, you'll be able to enjoy a bit of down time with your nearest and dearest to remind you what you're doing this for. Venus, your planetary ruler teams up with dashing Mars mid month making you want to tell the world what you're made of.

You're on a verge of a breakthrough within your professional standing, but from a subjective point of view it probably doesn't feel that way. You may be taking a great risk which could make you feel exposed if you're out of your depths. All journeys start with the first step so don't worry if your footing seems wobbly in the beginning.

You'll definitely have a way with works mid month when a favourable planetary connection enables you to think quickly on your feet. You'll be able to call upon a favour from a friend or someone in your peer group to give added value to a deal you've been trying to negotiate.

Close one to one relationships, whether business, personal or intimate have dramatically shaped your world in recent months.

People who were once merely working associates have now become a big part of your social life, which in itself has taken on a life of its own. It may take some time to integrate all these new contacts into your life, and as you do, your place in the circle becomes apparent. A career matter rears its head with the Full Moon on the 12th as any sudden changes or unexpected twists could make you feel unsettled.

You're able to recover quickly if you go with the flow.

Over the last several months your public reputation has been well received as your professional standing reaches a higher level of status. You haven't arrived here by accident and you're probably exhausted from putting yourself through the drill. Luckily, there are signs that the pace will slow down enabling you to take in just everything you've accomplished in a short time. Highly energetic Mars moves into your sign bringing a bountiful level of energy encouraging you to take charge of your life. Putting personal goals into place will be important to you as you seek to better your life.

LaTeteria kasbah MO’s KASBAH Welcome to our new restaurant review section. We will be sending diners out to advise you of some of the best places to eat along the Costa del Sol. Our first experience was at Mo’s Kasbah.

We were invited to Mo’s Kasbah located in the Port of Fuengirola square and the team being avid lovers of Moroccan cuisine couldn’t resist the invitation.

On a beautiful Friday evening we were greeted by the host and shown to our table by very polite waiting staff. The were a mix of tourists of varied nationalities and locals alike who were there to soak up the atmosphere. Moroccan style sofas and decorative artefacts surrounded us, with customers enjoying the genuine hubbly bubblies, as they are affectionately known, combined with the ambience of being in an authentic Moroccan Kasbah environment. The internal dining area of the Kasbah was decorated in full authentic Moroccan décor with the smells of the beautiful cuisine and the hubbly bubblies lingering in the air all adding to the ambience and experience.

Mo was on the outside griddle and prepared us a beautiful spicy chicken shish kebab with sides of perfectly cooked rice, chips, salad and home made bread. Absolutely gorgeous, with awesome aromas to tantalise the taste buds. After all he’s been doing this for over 40 years so he has had plenty of time to perfect his culinary skills. All this food was accompanied and washed down by a full selection of beers, wines and spirits to suit everyone’s tastes.

Fuengirola Port At 23.00 we were treated to live Moroccan Music on a key board with a great vocalist accompanied by 2 beautiful Moroccan belly dancers, Julia & Jaishri, in full traditional costume dancing in-between the sofas and tables of the customers making for a personal outdoor experience.

We spoke to some of the customers and Leisa & Brian Cooper, a couple from Hartlepool in the UK, who were on a 4-day break to Fuengirola summed up Mo’s Kasbah perfectly. “ The food is excellent! We wish we had opted for the large Shish kebab instead of the small, as it was delicious. We had a lovely evening and we will definitely be back next time we are in Spain and totally recommend Mos Kasbah”.

Across Spain also highly recommends Mo’s Kasbah with its great food, great ambience, great entertainment, and authentic Moroccan experience at a competitive price.

A fantastic night out not to be missed.

PUERTO DEPORTIVO FUENGIROLA, LOCAL 59 FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL: 660 066 434

SWEET CHILLI CRAB NOODLES Delicious, delicate and ready in less than 20 minutes, this is ideal for a light midweek supper. Don't over-soak the noodles though, or they might go soggy.

If you don't fancy crab, this would work with thinly-sliced stir fried chicken, too.

Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS 150g vermicelli noodles sunflower oil for frying 1 red pepper, de-seeded and sliced into thin strips 10g baby sweetcorn, cut in half lengthways 6 spring onions, trimmed and sliced 1 x 200g can white crab meat, drained 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup 1 tablespoon soy sauce fresh coriander, chopped, to garnish

METHOD 1. Put the noodles into a bowl of boiling water and soak for 5 minutes. Pour into a colander and leave to drain.

2. In a non-stick pan, heat the oil. Add the peppers and sweetcorn and stir-fry for 3 minutes.

3. Add the drained noodles, onions, crab, chilli sauce, ketchup and soy sauce. Stir fry the mixture for a further 3 minutes.

3. Spoon into serving bowls and scatter the fresh coriander over the top to garnish. Eat with chopsticks if you're feeling adventurous!

SCRAMBLED EGG AND BACON BASKETS These egg and bacon baskets are a fun way of turning a breakfast favourite into a truly tasty snack or dinner. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS 4 large squares slices white bread, crust removed olive oil for brushing 4 rind rashes of smoked back bacon 4 large eggs 15ml snipped fresh chives 15g lightly salted butter

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5.

2. Using a rolling pin, roll each slice of bread very flatly then lightly brush each side with a little oil. 3. Press each bread piece into a deep sided muffin pan or a mini pudding basin at an angle so that the bread forms a flower shape.

4. Cook in the preheated oven for 5 - 8 minutes or until crisp, lightly browned and the baskets holds its shape when lifted from the pan.

5. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium and then cook the bacon for 3 - 5 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Then using a pair of scissors cut each rasher into small dices.

6. Beat the eggs together with the chives in a jug. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming, then add the egg mixture and snipped bacon using a wooden spoon, cook, stirring constantly for approximately 3 - 5 minutes or until lightly scrambled. Taste and season if necessary.

7. Place the bread baskets on serving plates then divide the egg and bacon mixture between the baskets and serve immediately. Do not leave these to stand for long as the bread will go soggy.

There are certain wines and foods that delight the taste buds when mixed. Wine seeks relationships with the finer ingredients in life, yet many have a tough time making a sound partnership with cheese. In fact, some cheeses can make a good red wine dull and lifeless.

If you love to end a special meal with a cheese platter, balance the flavours of your wines and cheeses carefully.

The stronger the cheese, the more intense its partner should be. But remember that balance isn't about matching like with like, it can be as different as chalk and cheese.

SOFT TOUCH Soft, creamy cheeses such as brie and camembert coat the palate with a layer of soluble fat, masking tastes. Even if you are drinking an excellent red, you will loose some of its flavour. Team soft, creamy cheeses with extra-dry champagne and the effervescence will clean the fats from the palate.

SWEET WHITE FOR CHEESE When serving a sumptuous cheese platter at a dinner party, remove the reds and opt for a fruity, vibrant white to complement your range of cheese. Sweet, spicy and fruity German wines such as gew端rztraminers and Rieslings are good all-rounder's. For blue-veined cheeses, choose a sweet dessert wine. These will also work well if you are also serving desserts at the table.

PUNGENT CHEESES AND REDS If you must be awkward and insist on red with your cheese platter, choose a concentrated, rich red such as Amarone della Valpolicella. This Italian dry red is made from air-dried grapes and can stand up to the most pungent cheeses including Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino.

A cheaper alternative is Ripasso di Valpolicella made in the same region.

PORT & CHEESE A perfect partner at any restaurant or at a dinner party is port and creamy blue cheese.

A non-vintage port is a perfect partner for Creamy stilton, while vintage port pairs beautifully

When it comes to buying a car, it's easy to be wowed by images in the Sunday supplements and ideas of what's cool from too many hours watching Top Gear . But a car is a big investment and you need to work out what your needs are, rather than Jeremy Clarkson's.

What do you actually use your car for? There's no point becoming wedded to the idea that you need huge space in the back because on a single occasion three years ago you would have found it useful when bringing a flat-pack wardrobe from IKEA. You'll pay through the nose for it. Maybe what you really need is a car to do the school run and haul the groceries back from Sainsbury's once a week with only very occasional longer trips. For others there's a lot of motorway driving, or moving lots of equipment, or transporting half a dozen people at a time.

If you are on a budget - and let's face it, that's most of us - there's no point spending thousands of pounds on features you don't really need. Especially interior space. A family of four may require an urban runabout and school-run taxi. So what they want is four seats, economy and maybe above average safety. It's true that a large 4x4 will smooth out the ride over those cursed sleeping policemen between home and school, but is it worth paying thousands and thousands of pounds extra for that and seven seats?

Equally, if you travel thousands of miles up and down the country, it's worth looking for something that provides the levels of comfort you need and a diesel engine's economy is likely to far outweigh the extra initial purchase cost. Having established the sort of space and features you need, you then need to decide whether you want to buy new or used.

If you buy a new car, of course you can choose exactly what you want in terms of model, colour and trim. You'll know the car hasn't been thrashed by a previous owner; it will be in pristine condition and will come with a manufacturer's guarantee of three years or more.

But it comes at a price. The most expensive journey you'll ever make is the one out of the showroom. In a few short moments you've lopped four figures off the value of the car when you come to resell. It is true that you're more likely, though, to find special offers, such as zero per cent finance on a new car and some large discounts if you're prepared to do your homework, shop around and be a little bit flexible.

Depreciation is at its greatest in the first year of a car's life. So you may want to think about using your budget to look at a second-hand car that's a year or 18 months old instead. You'll still get the balance of the manufacturer's warranty and could even get a bigger or better equipped model within your original budget. Beyond that, if the warranty is an important issue to your peace of mind, it's worth looking at the many used car warranty schemes that exist.

You are most likely to have your own ideas about what constitutes style and reliability when it comes to buying a car. In truth, just about any model of car available today is built to a standard of reliability that would have seemed incredible 20 years ago. Old jokes about poorly made brands just aren't valid any more. The best way to check reliability, if you have concerns, is to look in the motoring press for the JD Power annual reliability survey, which reveals owners' satisfaction with particular models.

Some people, of course, want to pay for prestige, which is fair enough. In fact, the extra investment in a particular sporting or upmarket brand isn't likely to turn into a loss, as the selling price, a few years down the line, is likely to continue to reflect the notional value of the badge. At the other end of the scale, some people want something old and basic from the local used car trader or from the newspaper classified ads.

Whichever end of the scale you're on, you need to factor running costs into your budget.

There's no point using every last penny to get the car of your dreams only to discover that the insurance and running costs are astronomical. So when you have your eye on a car you like, check what the insurance will be, remember the road tax, see how many miles it will do to the gallon and have a rough idea of what regular servicing will cost. Motoring organisation the AA publishes lists of average running costs on its website (www.theaa.co.uk) which include all the elements involved.

Ultimately you must have a mental wish-list for your new car and work out which features are absolutely essential and those on which you will compromise. Then see how far your budget will stretch. There are lots of cars from lots of sources to choose from, so it's then just a matter of getting out there and finding what you want at the price you can afford.

PAUL LOVES TO READ ACROSS SPAIN EVERY MONTH GO TO www.acrossspain.es Hit The Subscribe Button ITS FREE

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT IN MARBELLA 270,000€ CLOSE TO ALL SERVICES, COMPLETELY RENOVATED WITH QUALITY LUXURY MATERIALS. SOLD FULLY FURNISHED. 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS (1 EN-SUITE), TERRACE, LARGE LIVING ROOM, FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN. BATHROOMS WITH HYDRO-MASSAGE SHOWERS. PRIVATE PARKING SPACE Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

SEMI DETACHED VILLA IN LUXURY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN RINCON DE LA VICTORIA, MALAGA - 590,000€ (NEG) 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS (1 HYDRO BATH), OFFICE, LIVING ROOM, FITTED KITCHEN WITH FIREPLACE, LAUNDRY ROOM, GARAGE FOR 3 CARS. ITERCOM, ALARM, AIR CONDITIONING, DIGITAL TELEVISION. PRIVATE GARDEN, LARGE LANDSCAPED COMMUNAL AREAS WITH SWIMMING POOL AND TENNIS COURT. EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS. Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

LUXURY VILLA IN FRIGILIANA 1,650,000€ LOCATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS AREA OF SAN RAFAEL. VILLA HAS THREE FLOORS. LIVING/DINING ROOM WITH BAR, GAMES ROOM, 6 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHROOMS, 2 KITCHENS, TERRACES, BARBECUE, TENNIS COURT, 2 SWIMMING POOLS, TV’S IN ALL ROOMS, SATELLITE, BUILT IN WARDROBES. PROPERTY COULD BE RENTED OUT FOR HOLIDAYS OR CORPORATE EVENTS. RENTAL POTENTIAL 3,900€/4,400€ PER WEEK. Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT BUSINESS IN ANDALUCIA 295,000€ THIS EXOTIC VEGETARIAN BUSINESS WAS FORMED IN 1992. IT HAS A VERY GOOD REPUTATION AND IS RECOMMENDED IN MOST TRAVEL GUIDES IN THE UK, FRANCE, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & THE USA. THE HOUSE HAS TWO FLOORS. THE RESTAURANT IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR WITH TWO SMALL & COZY ROOMS, A HANDICRAFT SHOP, KITCHEN & BATHROOM. ON THE TOP FLOOR THERE ARE 3 BEDROOMS, A KITCHENETTE MODERN STYLE 3 STOREY VILLA IN AND BATHROOM. ALMUÑECAR - 490,000€ Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com LOCATED ON THE CERRO GORDO NATURAL Phone: (+0034)952 472 271 LANDSCAPE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS. SOUTHWEST FACING, VERY TRANQUIL. TO ALL READERS 3 BEDROOMS, LIVING ROOM WITH LARGE TERRACE, KITCHENETTE, 2 MARBLE BATH- PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER TO MENTION ACROSS SPAIN ROOMS FLOATING WOOD FLOORS. SWIMMING POOL. PRIVATE GARAGE. WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ANY Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com OF OUR ADVERTISERS Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS

LAURI SCOTT, PROFESSIONAL INTERNATIONAL DJ. ENSURING YOUR SPECIAL OCCASSIONS ARE REMEMBERED. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE www.weddingdjspain.com TEL: 952 592 133

MARINA NITZAK窶年LP COACHING, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING IN AND AROUND MARBELLA IN SPANISH, RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK FOR REGULAR UPDATES. www.marinanitzak.com/ marina@marinanitzak.com

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BLUEWATER GRANADA, LA HERRADURA WE OPERATE THE MOTOR YACHT ANA LUIS FOR YOUR CRUISING PLEASURE ON THE COSTA TROPICAL. TO MAKE A BOOKING CALL +34 655 224 055 CHECK OUT www.bluewater-granada.com

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TO ALL READERS PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER TO MENTION ACROSS SPAIN WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISERS

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMPUTERS

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LUXURIOUS RURAL COMPLEX, SPAIN 850,000€ LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF LA ALPUJARRA. OPERATING AS A TOURIST RENTAL BUSINESS. 10 BEDROOMS, 3 KITCHENS, 3 BATHROOMS. 2 FURTHER INDEPENENT & FULLY EQUIPPED HOUSES WITH BEDROOM, LOUNGE, KITCHEN AND BATHROOM Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

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2 LEVEL LUXURY VILLA ON 1600m2 PLOT LOCATED 10 MINUTES FROM EL PUERTO DEPORTIVO MARINA DEL ESTE, SPAIN 900,000€ COMPLETELY RENOVATED IN 2002. LARGE TERRACES WITH BARBECUE & SWIMMING POOL. KITCHEN/DINER WITH FIREPLACE, LARGE DINING ROOM, 2 LARGE BEDROOMS, DRESSING ROOM, GYNASIUM, LAUNDRY ROOM, AIR CONDITIONING. Email: casasperfectas@btinternet.com Phone: (+0034)952 472 271

EVERY HOLIDAY DESERVES ONE GREAT EXPERIENCE

Blue Water Marbella

The boat is berthed in PUERTO DEPORTIVO DE MARBELLA. Bookings can be made by calling or E mailing Tel: (0034-658-707-139) www.bluewater-marbella.com